Josh Norris

Mock Drafts

March 20 Mock Draft

A surprise, yes, but outside of a replacement at multiple linebacker positions, the Steelers could roll the dice on an explosive playmaker. Patterson needs help learning and refining the route tree, but he consistently gets open without it.

The decision was between defensive tackle and safety, but I believe the Cowboys need to get a bit younger up front and Richardson offers positional versatility, working as a three technique tackle or end in a three man front.

Some don’t believe Brown can play the inside linebacker spot. I absolutely think he can due to play recognition and strength on first contact. Factor in his lateral and closing speed and Brown is one of my top prospects in the entire class.

The Bengals need that foundation back for Andy Dalton to rely on. Lacy has missed a large portion of the pre-draft process, but offers great athleticism for a player his size and consistently falls forward to finish off runs.

The Rams have a lot of talented young pieces, but they are in dire need of a safety. Vaccaro is a very talented player with versatility, including a solid performance against WVU manhandling Tavon Austin in the slot. He does need to improve his tackling in space.

The Colts added young free agents to fill a lot of their immediate needs. However, I still think they need pass rushing help off the edge. Lemonier loses backfield vision, but his explosiveness and powerful hands off the snap are excellent qualities.

The Vikings don’t shy away from Notre Dame prospects, but they must decide if Te’o is more than a two down linebacker, and if not, where does his value rest? He is a solid run defender and would be a good, not great, option in the middle.

I understand the Broncos signed DRC, but one year contracts should not prevent teams from drafting players at certain positions. Trufant has quick feet to mirror, sticking close to receivers without having to use an arm bar downfield.

Werner is a tough player to slot. Even though he went through outside linebacker drills at the Combine, I don’t see him projecting to that position other than a role of designated pass rusher. The Falcons like to incorporate multiple fronts, but Werner would improve a thin position.

Williams isn’t just a nose tackle, since he played end in Alabama’s three man front in 2011. Finding a future replacement for Justin Smith should be a top priority, and Williams has that strength to occupy blockers on the edge to allow Aldon Smith to run clean.

Ozzie Newsome values the middle section of his defense, so after losing both inside linebackers Minter would offer consistency at one of those spots. He’s not overly explosive, but Minter gets the job done with thunderous hits on the interior and just enough speed to meet ball carriers at the edge.

There are a few strategies to drafting. Obviously need is factored into the final grade teams give, along with talent, medicals, and character concerns. However, the one thing that may alter a prospect’s grade from team to team, more than anything, is scheme and fit. The proverbial darts are still being thrown at this time, but hopefully more information on teams' interests in certain prospects will trickle out as the process moves along. Also, consider that many teams select prospects in the hopes of them taking over for a declining, name-brand player, usually ones that are on the down slope of their career. It might not be a popular tactic, but it makes sense when keeping future success and salary cap in mind.

The Alex Smith trade, Chase Daniel signing, Mike DeVito addition, and retaining Tyson Jackson likely means this pick is a left tackle or corner. I slightly prefer Fisher over Joeckel due to comfort, having more exposure to the consistent left tackle throughout the process thanks to the Senior Bowl.

Jaguar decision makers are either putting forth an excellent acting job or they are seriously considering adding a quarterback in this draft, specifically Geno Smith. As they should, but obviously there is plenty of time for this recent buzz to die down.

With the loss of Richard Seymour, Desmond Bryant, and likely release of Tommy Kelly, GM Reggie McKenzie needs someone to start, and many consider Floyd a top five player. If Geno remains on the board, I think he will definitely draw consideration.

The Eagles can go a variety of different routes after filling immediate needs in free agency, with mostly young players. The most inconsistent group last season was the team’s offensive line, albeit due to injuries, but Joeckel is an athletic blocker and is a future, or current, starter depending on Jason Peters’ health.

Willie Young is a situational player, and Ronnell Lewis might have a similar role. Ansah is inexperienced but he is already a dependable run defender and can generate immediate pressure from a wide technique. He only needs to learn how to create separation and space to work with.

The Browns certainly filled a variety of needs in their front seven via free agency, therefore a corner or additional pass rusher is possible. Another very possible option is to trade down, but it is too early to mock trades.

I think Bruce Arians will be content with Drew Stanton and will target the Cardinals’ biggest need for many years, left tackle. I actually could see this as a best player available selection as well, since Johnson has a chance of improving into the best tackle from this class.

Sure, the Bills signed Manny Lawson to play strong side linebacker. He is adequate, at best, and that role is perfect for Jordan. The Oregon product could be what Lawson and Mathias Kiwanuka were supposed to be due to comfort and fluidity in coverage while possessing pass rushing upside.

Mingo is an excellent athlete but has failed to turn tools into a finished product. I question how much he was asked to contain this season rather than freely rush, but there’s no doubting his ceiling. I’m sure Jets fans are sick of that word, however.

I have been mocking Kenny Vaccaro here, but now I doubt that happens. The Titans paid a large price tag for Andy Levitre, but why stop there? Warmack could be the pick but Jonathan Cooper is another option, due to the buzz building that he might be moved to center.

An offensive tackle, or even guard, could definitely be the pick here. But Lotulelei would solidify the nose tackle spot for the Chargers, giving them a young front three. Star isn’t just a space eater, since he makes an impact getting upfield and played in over 91 percent of Utah’s defensive snaps in 2012.

Signing Brandon Gibson would not stop me from drafting Tavon Austin, and neither would Davone Bess’ contract situation. Austin is the premier playmaker in this class and should be a top 15 pick. Some will point to his size, but the slot receiver and electric ball carrier never missed a practice during his WVU career.

I understand that Carradine is coming off of a knee injury, but he is expected to work out in full on April 20, five days before the NFL Draft. If healthy, Carradine is the top pass rusher left on the board, which the Bucs desperately need.

The Panthers asked their corners to play a lot of off man and zone coverage last year, giving up a large amount of cushion. That is not Rhodes’ game, but I will chalk up last year’s scheme to poor talent at the position.

Jones has the ability to win on the edge as a pass rusher is undeniable and a solid motor only helps him attack from the back side. The Saints could go with a bigger pass rusher, but Jones has experience at the position.

Cooper is a very talented blocker who shines at the second level and in space. Stick him in at guard, or possibly center, and he instantly makes the interior of your offensive line more athletic and talented.

A surprise, yes, but outside of a replacement at multiple linebacker positions, the Steelers could roll the dice on an explosive playmaker. Patterson needs help learning and refining the route tree, but he consistently gets open without it.

The decision was between defensive tackle and safety, but I believe the Cowboys need to get a bit younger up front and Richardson offers positional versatility, working as a three technique tackle or end in a three man front.

Some don’t believe Brown can play the inside linebacker spot. I absolutely think he can due to play recognition and strength on first contact. Factor in his lateral and closing speed and Brown is one of my top prospects in the entire class.

The Bengals need that foundation back for Andy Dalton to rely on. Lacy has missed a large portion of the pre-draft process, but offers great athleticism for a player his size and consistently falls forward to finish off runs.

The Rams have a lot of talented young pieces, but they are in dire need of a safety. Vaccaro is a very talented player with versatility, including a solid performance against WVU manhandling Tavon Austin in the slot. He does need to improve his tackling in space.

The Colts added young free agents to fill a lot of their immediate needs. However, I still think they need pass rushing help off the edge. Lemonier loses backfield vision, but his explosiveness and powerful hands off the snap are excellent qualities.

The Vikings don’t shy away from Notre Dame prospects, but they must decide if Te’o is more than a two down linebacker, and if not, where does his value rest? He is a solid run defender and would be a good, not great, option in the middle.

I understand the Broncos signed DRC, but one year contracts should not prevent teams from drafting players at certain positions. Trufant has quick feet to mirror, sticking close to receivers without having to use an arm bar downfield.

Werner is a tough player to slot. Even though he went through outside linebacker drills at the Combine, I don’t see him projecting to that position other than a role of designated pass rusher. The Falcons like to incorporate multiple fronts, but Werner would improve a thin position.

Williams isn’t just a nose tackle, since he played end in Alabama’s three man front in 2011. Finding a future replacement for Justin Smith should be a top priority, and Williams has that strength to occupy blockers on the edge to allow Aldon Smith to run clean.

Ozzie Newsome values the middle section of his defense, so after losing both inside linebackers Minter would offer consistency at one of those spots. He’s not overly explosive, but Minter gets the job done with thunderous hits on the interior and just enough speed to meet ball carriers at the edge.